The jungle myna is a myna, a member of the starling family. It is found patchily distributed across much of the mainland of the Indian Subcontinent but absent in the arid zones of India. It is easily recognized by the tuft of feathers on its forehead that form a frontal crest, a feature also found in the closely related Javan myna and the pale-bellied myna which were treated as a subspecies in the past. The eyes are pale, yellow or blue depending on the population and the base of the orange-yellow bill is dark. It has also been introduced either intentionally or accidentally into many other parts of the world including Fiji, Taiwan, the Andaman Islands, and parts of Japan. The species has also spread out on its own to some islands in the Pacific.
Region
Indian Subcontinent and nearby islands
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across much of mainland South Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and parts of Myanmar, but is scarce or absent in the arid zones of northwestern India. It frequents open woodland, forest edge, agricultural land, plantations, and towns and villages. The species has been introduced to several islands and regions such as the Andaman Islands, Fiji, Taiwan, and parts of Japan, where it may establish local populations. It readily uses nest cavities in trees and buildings in human-dominated areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Jungle mynas are adaptable starlings easily recognized by a small frontal crest and pale eyes that can appear yellow to bluish. They thrive in human-modified landscapes and often roost communally in large, noisy flocks. Where introduced, they can become invasive and compete with native cavity-nesting birds. Their varied vocalizations include chatter, whistles, and mimicry.
A. f. mahrattensis with blue iris
The white of the base of the primaries and the tips of the tail are visible in flight
A perched cattle egret and fluttering jungle myna pick off parasites and insects from the external skin of this Indian rhinocerous in Chitwan National Park, Nepal.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Highly gregarious outside the breeding season, forming noisy flocks that commute to shared roosts in trees or reedbeds. Pairs nest in cavities in trees, buildings, or nest boxes and may reuse sites across years. They defend the immediate nest area but forage cooperatively in loose groups nearby.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied mix of chatters, whistles, squeaks, and harsh scolds, often delivered from exposed perches. Capable of mimicry and frequently vocal at dawn and near communal roosts.
